Page 26 of Healing Daddy

“I’m an executive protection agent for a large entity. Beyond that, I can’t say more. I’m under a very strict NDA.”

Leary couldn’t stop staring at JJ. JJ obviously knew their game and played it better than them. He was amazing. Pride filled his chest the way it always did with JJ. Again, JJ made a slight motion, touching beneath the table. Maybe it was a nervous tic. Grounding himself or something. Leary had never seen him do that before. He also didn’t know what it was about the motion. Each touch seemed deliberate and happened both times his dad’s focus was elsewhere.

Virgil appeared with their dinner.

Leary’s insides knotted again. He knew what came next. Virgil set plates in front of everyone before placing a completely different meal in front of Leary. He hated it here.

“I had Virgil make you a light salad. You need to work on your weight.”

At Layla’s words, Leary’s gaze dropped to his plate and refused to budge. Shame burned through him. He was never good enough. Perfect grades and even finishing school early. He had become one of the youngest surgeons in the U.S. Didn’t matter. He had gotten used to this feeling a long time ago, but now JJ witnessed his shame.

His plate disappeared, and Leary’s head shot up.

JJ swapped plates with him. “I’d much prefer the salad. I’m allergic to lamb.”

“Oh no.” Layla sounded genuinely distraught. “I didn’t think to ask if you had any allergies. That’s not very common, I should think.”

JJ nodded. “I have Alpha-gal syndrome.”

How did Leary not know that? They’d lived together for over six months. He knew JJ didn’t eat red meat, but he had assumed that was just a preference or whatever. Leary hadn’t known it was an allergy. He should know these things.

His parents got distracted by how much wine should be served in a single glass. His mom’s vote was completely filled, of course.

Leary leaned JJ’s way and lowered his voice. “Why didn’t you tell me about this allergy?”

JJ beamed before touching his lips to Leary’s ear. “Because it doesn’t exist. Nobody keeps food from my baby.”

Happiness exploded through Leary. JJ never failed him. “My hero.”

“Always.”

Virgil filled Leary’s glass with ice water and everyone else’s with wine.

JJ swapped their glasses. “I’m driving tonight. Leary can cut a little loose.”

Holy shit. JJ was just openly challenging them now.

Layla smiled. “Virgil can get you some water as well. Leary has discipline issues. He’s letting himself go. I’m trying to look after his health.”

JJ shrugged. “If Leary wants water, then we can get another. Otherwise, he’s perfect exactly as he is.”

No one had ever stood up for him like this. Every time he thought he couldn’t fall in love any deeper, JJ proved he could.

Virgil caught Leary’s eye and winked.

He had always loved their long-time chef. Virgil always made him a real plate and passed it his way to take home.

Layla’s mouth thinned. She visibly held back all the words. Finally, she managed a tight smile. “You’re not the only person who has to look at him.”

JJ squeezed his knee under the table. He laughed. “I’d better be. He’s mine.”

Mike cut in. “Let’s make a toast to gaining a new family member.”

Layla straightened her shoulders and put on a pleasant facade. “Yes. We’re thrilled Leary finally found someone who wants him. Welcome to the family.” Without waiting for any sort of glasses clinking, she downed her entire glass and waved for another. JJ flashed Leary an evil grin on the sly. God, he was so in love.

The rest of dinner went fine. There was no more talk of politics or Leary’s weight. The conversation centered around mundane things like his mother’s latest doctor’s appointment and the shoes she found on sale last week. When dessert came, Leary was included without argument. When the wine was gone, his mom went in search of more, and his dad stood.

“Now it’s time for the men to talk. Head in here to my office, JJ. We’ll have a cigar and chat.”